"Cats are blamed for triggering asthma attacks in humans but veterinarians in Scotland say it may also work the other way around. Irritants such as cigarette smoke, dusty homes and human dandruff can increase inflammation in feline lungs and worsen asthma in cats. ... [one in about 200 cats] suffer coughs, wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma. Pedigree oriental breeds such as Siamese cats are more prone to the respiratory problem than other cats, according to the researchers."
Uh, duh? Little Man could have told them all this without the hassle of testing and trials; my cat has even more respiratory problems than I have personality flaws, but he does much better the less he's in a dusty, smoker's house.
